A couple and two children were buried alive after the old house's roof caved in at Moratagi village
Vijayapura: In a tragic rain-related incident, four members of a family, including two children, died after the roof of an old rented house collapsed during heavy rain and strong winds in Moratagi village of Alamela taluk in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district late Thursday night.
The deceased have been identified as Gurunath Badigera (35), his wife Jyoti Badigera (28), and their children Kalamma Badigera (13) and Keerthi Badigera (9).
According to preliminary information, Gurunath and his family had temporarily shifted to the old rented house while renovation work was underway at their own residence. However, continuous rainfall accompanied by strong winds reportedly weakened the structure of the old house.
Late at night, while the family was asleep inside the house, the roof suddenly collapsed, trapping all four members beneath the debris. Locals rushed to the spot after hearing the loud crash, but the victims were reportedly buried alive under the rubble.
Rescue teams launch operation amid heavy rain
Personnel from the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services and Sindagi police immediately reached the spot and began rescue and recovery operations. Authorities said efforts to clear the debris and retrieve the bodies continued through the night amid difficult weather conditions.
Police officials have initiated an investigation into the incident and are assessing the structural condition of the collapsed building.
Village plunged into grief after tragedy
The deaths of four members of the same family have left Moratagi village in deep mourning. Relatives and villagers gathered near the site in shock as rescue teams carried out operations amid continuous rain.
Residents said the family had moved into the rented house only temporarily and never expected the old structure to collapse in such a devastating manner.
